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Science News for September 17, 2008


Collaboration helps police address job stress

A new police collaboration program has been launched to address job stress among officers, reducing stigma around seeking help. The program trains over 80 commanders and supervisors to recognize warning signs of operational stress.

SourceSAGE·JournalPolice Quarterly·DateSep 17, 2008

Bovine Mastitis -- could a vaccine be on the way?

A study by the University of Nottingham aims to identify bacterial antigens that could lead to an effective vaccine against Bovine Mastitis. The researchers will use state-of-the-art molecular technology to determine which proteins are essential for infection.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·DateSep 17, 2008

Triple cocktail to tackle stroke risk

Scientists at the University of Nottingham are investigating a triple cocktail of medicines to lower stroke risk in recovering patients. The study aims to determine if adding clopidogrel to aspirin and dipyridamole improves recovery outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·DateSep 17, 2008
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

University of Miami expands accelerated nursing program

The University of Miami School of Nursing and Health Studies receives a $300,000 grant to expand its Accelerated BSN program, aiming to alleviate the nation's nursing shortage. The program will provide scholarships to students from underrepresented groups, increasing diversity in the nursing workforce.

SourceUniversity of Miami·DateSep 17, 2008

How often to screen for colon cancer? NEJM study finds 5-year risk extremely low

A large study found that rescreening average-risk individuals after a normal initial colonoscopy every five years is sufficient to determine the optimal screening interval. The study's findings contradict previous recommendations of 10-year screenings and may impact screening costs and individual follow-up rates.

SourceIndiana University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateSep 17, 2008

Muscle stem cell identity confirmed by Stanford researchers

Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine confirmed that satellite cells harbor an elusive muscle stem cell, which can self-renew and give rise to specialized progeny. This discovery has profound therapeutic implications for disorders like muscular dystrophy and muscle wasting due to aging.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalNature·DateSep 17, 2008

Fly studies reveal immune cell responses to tumor and tissue damage

A new report published in Disease Models & Mechanisms reveals that tumors trigger the same immune response as wounds, with hemocytes replicating and adhering to tumor surfaces to limit growth. The study identifies key pathways in the fly's immune response to tumor growth and tissue disruption, shared with humans.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalDisease Models & Mechanisms·DateSep 17, 2008
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Homosexuals' negative feelings about sexuality predict poor mental and sexual health

A recent study published in the Journal of Homosexuality found that internalized homonegativity, or negative attitudes towards homosexuality, is a stronger predictor of poor mental and sexual health among gay men than the act of being homosexual itself. The research suggests that positive attitudes towards homosexuality are associated ...

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalJournal of Homosexuality·DateSep 17, 2008

Monitoring outcomes of suicide attempts in pregnancy can better assess drug dangers

Researchers studied 1021 pregnant women who attempted suicide with drugs and found that most congenital abnormalities were associated with psychiatric disorders and lifestyle factors rather than the drugs themselves. The study suggests using self-poisoning data to estimate human teratogenic risks of drugs in pregnancy.

SourceSAGE Publications UK·JournalToxicology and Industrial Health·DateSep 17, 2008

James Webb Telescope components pass tests

Development models for James Webb Telescope components have successfully passed temperature and vibration tests, allowing engineers to proceed with building actual instrument parts. The Mid-Infrared Instrument, which will operate between mid-infrared wavelengths of 5-28.5 microns, must be kept icy cold due to its extreme sensitivity to...

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 17, 2008
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Significant increase in alien plants in Europe

The number of alien plant species in Europe has more than tripled over the last 25 years, with 5789 species classified as invasive. The UK, Germany, and Belgium report the highest numbers of naturalized aliens, which can lead to long-term changes in ecosystems and economic costs.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalPreslia·DateSep 17, 2008

Coating copies microscopic biological surfaces

Penn State researchers have developed a method to rapidly and inexpensively copy biological surface structures using the conformal evaporated film by rotation (CEFR) technique. This technique enables the creation of coatings that capture the micro and nanostructure of biological surfaces, including metallic finishes and iridescent colors.

SourcePenn State·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateSep 17, 2008

New data to inform clinical practice around preterm labor

A new study has found that antibiotics given to pregnant women experiencing premature labor with intact membranes increased the risk of functional impairment and cerebral palsy in their children. The ORACLE Children's Study analyzed data from over 3,200 children born to mothers who received antibiotics or a placebo.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateSep 17, 2008

HP Labs award will lay groundwork for next generation computers

Researchers plan to develop exascale machines that can process over 10^18 calculations per second, with a focus on virtualization and managing multiple programs on a single platform. The goal is to lay the groundwork for future systems that can guarantee service levels even in the event of machine failure or overload.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology Research News·DateSep 17, 2008
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Flatworm helps researchers study stem cells and cancer

Researchers have found a gene in flatworms that is highly similar to the human gene PTEN, which is frequently mutated in cancer. Disruption of this pathway leads to abnormal growths and cell death, making it an important model for studying human stem cells and cancer.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalDisease Models & Mechanisms·DateSep 17, 2008

Audio relaxation program may help lower blood pressure in elderly

A study found that an audio relaxation program lowered blood pressure more than listening to Mozart music in a group of elderly people with high blood pressure. The program used binaural sound and guided relaxation techniques to lower systolic blood pressure by 6.4% compared to a 5% reduction from Mozart music.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateSep 17, 2008

Fixed costs determine structure of the supermarket industry

A study published in the RAND Journal of Economics reveals that escalating investments in distribution systems drive a natural oligopoly in the supermarket industry. A small number of firms capture majority sales, regardless of market size, resulting in concentrated industry with better products.

SourceWiley·JournalThe RAND Journal of Economics·DateSep 17, 2008
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Pregnant women with bulimia have more anxiety and depression

A new study found that pregnant women with bulimia have more symptoms of anxiety and depression compared to those without eating disorders. They also report lower self-esteem and are more dissatisfied with life and their relationships.

SourceNorwegian Institute of Public Health·JournalAustralian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry·DateSep 17, 2008

UNC study: No need to repeat colonoscopy until 5 years after first screening

A new study found that people with an initial negative colonoscopy have a very low risk of developing colorectal cancer within five years. Based on this study, rescreening may not be necessary sooner than five years after the initial screening. The study's findings confirm what many gastroenterologists already believed.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateSep 17, 2008

RNA interference plays bigger role than previously thought

A joint research study by IBM and the Genome Institute of Singapore found that microRNAs control stem cell differentiation through coding regions beyond the 3'UTR, challenging previous assumptions. The discovery has implications for novel diagnostics and therapeutics.

SourceAgency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore·JournalNature·DateSep 17, 2008
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Sophisticated monitoring array to address mystery of uranium plume

Researchers have installed a sophisticated monitoring array near the Hanford Site to investigate uranium plume contamination. The array will enable comprehensive characterization of the subsurface and provide insights into the processes contributing to persistent groundwater contamination.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·DateSep 17, 2008

Scientists identify genes capable of regulating stem cell function

Researchers have identified two genes that regulate stem cell function in planarians, which could provide insights into adult tissue maintenance and regeneration. The study also reveals the role of PTEN in controlling stem cell proliferation and regeneration.

SourceForsyth Institute·JournalDisease Models & Mechanisms·DateSep 17, 2008

UC Davis researchers find decrease in hysterectomy complications

The study found a significant decline in surgical and medical complications for hysterectomies, with laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy showing a 50% reduction. However, African-American women had higher rates of medical and surgical complications, highlighting the need for further research to address disparities.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalObstetrics and Gynecology·DateSep 17, 2008

Political views affect firms' corporate social responsibility

A new study finds that companies in Democratic states tend to have higher corporate social responsibility (CSR) ratings than those in Republican states. The research analyzed the 2004 presidential election results of communities where corporate headquarters are located, revealing a correlation between political views and CSR ratings.

SourceWiley·JournalFinancial Review·DateSep 17, 2008
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Penn researchers use honeybee venom toxin to develop a new tool for studying hypertension

Researchers at Penn School of Medicine have created a highly specific inhibitor, TPNLQ, that selectively blocks potassium channels in kidneys, opening a new avenue for treating hypertension. This breakthrough could provide a potential new approach to reducing salt reabsorption and lower blood pressure.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 17, 2008

Older people who diet without exercising lose valuable muscle mass

A four-month exercise program improved fitness, reduced fat, and prevented lean muscle loss in older sedentary individuals. In contrast, dieting alone led to greater lean muscle loss, highlighting the importance of exercise for maintaining muscle mass and overall health.

SourceAmerican Physiological Society·JournalJournal of Applied Physiology·DateSep 17, 2008

$70 million CU-Boulder instrument set for insertion on Hubble Space Telescope

A $70 million CU-Boulder instrument will be installed on the Hubble Space Telescope in mid-October to study the 'fossil record' of gases in the early universe. The Cosmic Origins Spectrograph will gather information from ultraviolet light, allowing scientists to reconstruct the physical condition and evolution of the early universe.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·DateSep 17, 2008
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Neighbors from hell: Infanticide rife in guillemot colony

Researchers observed a dramatic increase in adult guillemots attacking and killing unattended chicks due to food shortages. The study highlights the previously unsuspected parental dilemma of balancing protection with foraging, leading to brutal attacks on chick populations.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalBiology Letters·DateSep 17, 2008

Behavioral intervention works to reduce risky behavior

A binational team of researchers found that brief but personalized behavioral counseling significantly reduced rates and improved condom use among female sex workers. The study showed a 40% decline in new STIs, including HIV, syphilis, gonorrhea, and Chlamydia.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateSep 17, 2008

FAS honors Mark D. Levine with 2008 Public Service Award

Federation of American Scientists honors Mark D. Levine with the 2008 Public Service Award for his contributions to energy efficiency research, particularly in China. The award recognizes his work in building a strong energy program and promoting clean technology policies.

SourceFederation of American Scientists·DateSep 17, 2008

Top-selling prescription drug mismarketed to women

A study published in Journal of Empirical Legal Studies found that Lipitor's advertising omits crucial information relevant to women, raising concerns about its safety. The study questions Pfizer's claims of clinical proof for Lipitor's effectiveness in preventing heart attacks in women with multiple risk factors.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Empirical Legal Studies·DateSep 17, 2008
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Kids with obese friends and family more likely to misperceive weight

A new study from Université de Montréal and McGill University found that kids surrounded by overweight peers or parents are more likely to underestimate their own weight. The study analyzed over 3,600 children and adolescents, finding that only 1.6% of kids perceived themselves as having excess weight.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalInternational Journal of Obesity·DateSep 17, 2008

Healthy people with elevated levels of uric acid are at risk of developing kidney disease

A study found that healthy individuals with elevated uric acid levels have a higher risk of developing kidney disease, particularly in women and those with hypertension. The researchers recommend initiating clinical trials to assess the potential of uric acid-lowering drugs for preventing kidney disease.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateSep 17, 2008

UNC scientists turn human skin cells into insulin-producing cells

Researchers at UNC School of Medicine have transformed human skin cells into insulin-producing cells using pluripotent stem cell technology. This breakthrough may lead to new treatments or even a cure for the millions of people affected by diabetes.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateSep 17, 2008
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Global warming's ecosystem double whammy

A four-year study by Rice University and DRI found that one abnormally warm year can reduce carbon dioxide uptake in grassland ecosystems for up to two years. The study replicated daily and seasonal changes in temperature and rainfall, and tracked CO2 flux between the atmosphere and biosphere.

SourceRice University·JournalNature·DateSep 17, 2008

New technique sees into tissue at greater depth, resolution

Duke University scientists have developed a new microscopy technique that enables peeking so deep into living tissue as to see molecules interacting. By combining optical coherence tomography with miniscule particles of gold, researchers can achieve higher resolutions than traditional methods.

SourceDuke University·JournalNano Letters·DateSep 17, 2008

Brown-assisted trial finds new colorectal screening procedure is accurate and less invasive

A new colorectal screening procedure, CT colonography, has been found to be highly accurate in detecting intermediate and large polyps. The study, which used virtual reality technology, compared the accuracy of CT colonography with conventional colonoscopy and found that it was comparable in its ability to accurately detect problems.

SourceBrown University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateSep 17, 2008
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Colorful spy tactics track live cells supporting cancerous tumors

A new advance in cellular imaging allows scientists to track the movement of live cells in the area around tumors, providing insights into how certain immune cells help or hinder tumor growth. This study sheds light on potential drug targets and mechanisms to enhance the body's natural immune response to cancer.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalDisease Models & Mechanisms·DateSep 17, 2008

Scientists find black hole 'missing link'

Researchers at Durham University found a giant black hole emitting a regular X-ray signal, linking it to smaller black holes. This discovery sheds light on how gas behaves around super-massive black holes as they feed and develop.

SourceDurham University·JournalNature·DateSep 17, 2008

Mother's flu shot protects newborns

A study conducted in Bangladesh found that vaccinating mothers during pregnancy with the flu shot can greatly reduce a newborn's risk of infection, with a 63% reduction in proven influenza illness among infants. The study also showed a 36% decrease in serious respiratory illnesses for both mothers and infants.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateSep 17, 2008
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

New tool for early diagnosis of breast cancer

Scientists have developed a new X-ray technique called Analyzer-Based X-ray Imaging (ABI) for early breast cancer detection, offering high spatial resolution and sensitivity. The technique has shown promising results in distinguishing microcalcifications and improving the definition of tumor shapes and margins.

SourceEuropean Synchrotron Radiation Facility·JournalRadiology·DateSep 17, 2008